Full Breakdown
Mistrial in Lindsay Clancy Murder Trial Spurs Motions to Probe Holdout Juror
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 4 2026, Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial in the murder trial of former midwife Lindsay Clancy after the 12-person jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Eleven jurors were prepared to find Clancy not criminally responsible, citing postpartum psychosis, while juror Michael Desronvil voted for conviction, creating an 11-1 deadlock.
Background & Context
Clancy faces three counts of first-degree murder for the strangulation deaths of her children—Cora, Dawson and Callan (8 months)—on January 24 2023 in Duxbury, Massachusetts. She admitted the killings but argued she was incapable of criminal intent due to severe mental illness.
Defense Motions Targeting the Holdout Juror
Defense attorney Kevin Reddington filed a motion requesting the court to:
- Preserve the confidential juror questionnaires and any supplemental materials.
- Obtain Michael Desronvil’s cell-phone metadata for the deliberation period August 27 through September 4, when phone use is prohibited.
- Examine Desronvil’s record in the statewide domestic-violence registry and any background-check files the Commonwealth may hold.
- Conduct a limited, in-camera hearing with Desronvil on three topics: truthfulness of his questionnaire answers, his sworn assurance on September 3, and any unauthorized phone use.
Reddington emphasized that “the inquiry will not touch the substance of deliberations.”
Juror Michael Desronvil’s Public Statement
Desronvil, represented by attorney Edward Paltzik, released a statement asserting he “didn’t have any doubts” about Clancy’s guilt. “I didn't have any doubts. As I tried to explain different possible theories during deliberation, I kept getting cut off as if I had doubts based on the evidence present,” — Michael Desronvil, his attorney.
Criticism from Fellow Jurors
Other jurors have described Desronvil’s conduct as inconsistent with the majority. Juror Nick Dargie noted that Desronvil expressed uncertainty yet still voted for conviction.
Official Statements & Responses
- Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz – A spokesperson declined to comment on the motions or on whether the state will retry Clancy.
- Judge William Sullivan – Issued an indefinite impoundment order protecting juror identities, later extending it after threats and doxxing of Desronvil were reported.
- Clancy’s Defense – Reddington reiterated that Clancy’s constitutional right to an impartial jury requires a judicial inquiry into any alleged juror misconduct.
- State Officials – No official statement has been released regarding the upcoming September 29 hearing.
Data & Statistics
- Jury composition: nine women and three men.
- Deliberation length: nearly 40 hours over seven days (August 27 – September 4).
- Vote split at deadlock: 11 jurors for not-guilty by reason of insanity, 1 juror for conviction.
- Fundraising for Desronvil: GiveSendGo campaign “Stand With the Juror” raised over $375,000 as of early September.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Jurors’ accounts differ on whether Desronvil expressed uncertainty. Desronvil’s own statement denies any doubt, while Dargie and Paula Devlin assert he acknowledged doubt but still voted for conviction. No court record currently confirms the content of Desronvil’s questionnaire answers or any phone activity during deliberations.
What’s Next
The defense’s request for a limited juror inquiry and the motion to dismiss the case on double-jeopardy grounds are scheduled for a hearing on September 29 2026 in Plymouth Superior Court. District Attorney Cruz has not announced whether prosecutors will seek a new trial. Until that hearing, Clancy remains incarcerated at Tewksbury State Hospital while the criminal charges remain pending.